Posts tagged Charles Morgan
Morgan Eva GT Latest News
Dec 13th
Morgan Motor Company announced today that the EvaGT will not be launched at the Geneva Autoshow 2014. Charles Morgan of MMC had the following to say:
“During the past 6 months, Morgan has secured funding from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to allow it to participate in and manage a £1.4 million collaborative project to use revolutionary materials in a chassis application. The project named MagMog consists of 5 partners who are all experts in their relevant fields. The project partners are:
· Morgan Motor Company Ltd – Lead Partner in the project
· Penso Consulting Ltd – a design house with expertise in several premium sportscar designs.
· Superform Aluminium – the current supplier of Morgan Motor Company wings and body panels, Superform have the forming knowledge required to make this project succeed.
· Coventry University – Specialists in panel joining and fatigue testing
· Magnesium Elektron UK – the world’s largest manufacturer of Magnesium sheet, M.E. have unrivalled knowledge in all areas of Magnesium usage.
The MagMog chassis development project started on November 1st 2011. The project aims to develop appropriate technologies to enable magnesium alloy to be used as the primary material in the construction of a body-in-white structure for the EvaGT. This will improve structural performance at a reduced comparative weight. Magnesium is the lightest structural metal available, 30% less dense than aluminium and is the eighth most abundant elements globally. Due to its inherent properties, use of sheet magnesium for vehicle structural applications will require hot-forming, increasingly being adopted by premium car manufacturers as it can produce larger and more complex panels. Morgan Motor Company intends to provide the initial route to market by adopting the developed technologies on its next generation of premium sports car, the EvaGT.
This project, along with Morgan Motor Company’s desire to exceed the standard safety requirements for the EvaGT has resulted in the planned launch date being delayed. We now intend to launch the EvaGT at the 2014 Geneva Motorshow. While this delay is undesirable and inconvenient, we have taken the decision to pursue these projects to ensure the EvaGT is at the forefront of both environmental and safety technology.”
2012 Morgan Plus 8
Dec 2nd
What do you say when Charles Morgan, of the Morgan Motor Company, asks you if you’d like to drive the companies latest V8 powered sports car? Well, anything other than “yes please!” would be extremely rude.
Here, in brief, are my initial impressions of the 2012 Morgan +8; The first things that impresses you about the reborn Plus 8 are both the ride quality and steering feel. After spending many hours behind the wheel of a standard Aero 8, an Aeromax and a variety of Classic Morgans, the new +8 went straight to the top of the pile in terms of steering precision. The poise is aided by the chassis being closest to the Series 1 Aero and thus with the minimal overhang of the Plus 8 bodywork, the car feels both nimble and lithe (this is also helped by the fact the 2012 Plus 8 will have an excellent power to weigh ratio).
This power to weight ratio also meant the Plus 8 felt extremely quick – acceleration was always rapid (no need for the right gear or the right RPM, the torque seemed to mean the power was always on tap) and it was only the rules of the road that restricted your ability to proceed at a physics bending pace; all the above was only exacerbated by the superb handling adding huge confidence, even on a slightly damp British winter road. A quick nod should also be made to the exhaust note, which in typical V8 fashion is there to egg you on – in the new Plus 8, you cannot help but fall in love with the idea of pressing down on the accelerator, simply to hear the tune it plays.
Aesthetically, the 2012 Morgan Plus 8 is a very purposeful looking Classic. The rear and the front perspective afford it a wonderfully wide stance; in the Black bodywork of the development car, the Plus 8 possesses an attractively menacing quality, more subtle than many performance cars but with plenty of presence. The profile is more difficult to judge because I simply don’t like the wheels on the development vehicle and therefore, tried to imagine it with another set in situ. Were a set of Classic Morgan wheels fitted, I think you’d be hard pressed to tell it apart from the rest of the range from afar (which given the heritage of the profile, is certainly not a bad thing!). I will watch, with interest, which wheels MMC choose to fit to the production cars because I believe getting them correct is essential to completing the package. I’m sure the company will devise a suitable solution; their Sport line for the Classic range has proven they understand simple beauty and the elegance of clean lines.
Whilst not fair to judge a development vehicle on fit and finish, the interior was a nice place to sit, the cut down doors adding to the elbow room. The dash was still a work in progress but was coming together nicely: blending Classic and modern with panache. The hood seemed substantial and consideration has been given to the side screens and the fit of them when the Plus 8 is at speed. As it stands, the development car was rattle free and felt very solid and well put together. I look forward to sitting the finished product but all signs point to another Morgan cabin that is a pleasure to spend time in.
I believe that gives a fair reflection of my opinion on the new Morgan Plus 8. It is quite easy to fall under the spell of this wonderful vehicle and even in development form, it is an extremely attractive package. Once the development process is over and the car has reached the public, I believe the Plus 8 will sell itself; the words of others, such as myself, will become superfluous to the individuals experience behind the wheel. This is a Morgan which needs to be driven to truly appreciate the depth of its potential and the magic it is capable of.
Jay Leno Reviews the New Morgan ThreeWheeler
Jul 18th
Whilst visiting England to enjoy the sights, sounds and petrol fumes for the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, Jay Leno has found the time to visit Malvern and take the 2011 Morgan 3 Wheeler for a spin (not literally, although Jay does seem to have a tussle with a grass verge at one stage: UK Grass 1, Mr. Leno 0!)
Despite his detour, Jay gives the latest vehicle from MMC a big thumbs-up and from his conversation with Charles Morgan, he has joined the queue of customers for this exciting trike. Enjoy…
Morgan readies Three Wheeler for Geneva Motorshow
Feb 24th
After months of teaser information and just short of a 60-year hiatus, the début of the 2011 Morgan 3 Wheeler at the Geneva auto show is almost upon us. On March 1st, Morgan Motor Company will reveal the revised 3 Wheeler to press and invited guests in the PalExpo. The following information details what they, and the viewing public in the days to follow, have to look forward to: -
DESIGN
When did you last regard a journey by motor car as an adventure? The Morgan 3 Wheeler is launched to bring the fun and passion back to personal transport. Lift the safety catch from the “bomb release” starter, hear the massive twin cylinders detonate and choose your favourite destination.
The iconic design of the Morgan Threewheeler has been updated with 21st Century technology. The powertrain is a V Twin fuel injected engine mated to a Mazda 5 speed (and reverse) gearbox. This provides smooth “get in and drive” convenience with the thrill of extreme performance. The car is a fusion of old and new.
Safety is paramount with a reinforced tubular chassis and twin rollbars for driver and passenger. A sturdy V belt provides traction to the reinforced rear tyre. Some things have not changed. The Morgan Threewheeler still holds long distance speed records for one litre cars set in the 1930’s so why change the shape? The pronounced bullet shape and the exposed chassis and aluminium tub are accompanied by the aeroplane profile of the car’s sides. The shape is of a gentle yet powerful missile at the front leading to a beetle back tail at the rear. From the design viewpoint, the focus was set on making the car as close to an aeroplane as possible, while retaining handy extra space for driver, passenger and a holdall in the rear. But above all the Morgan 3 Wheeler is designed for one purpose alone, to make driving fun. A leather padded cockpit complete with aircraft instrumentation adds to the sense of flying on the road. The car is easy to control with compact dimensions offering a perfect view ahead and to the rear. The car seems to respond as much to thought as physical input.
Dynamism is further enhanced by what the Morgan design team calls a sporty “race on Sunday” design philosophy. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead flow organically and echo the smooth shapes of a racetrack. The smooth profile makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and boot enhance the aerodynamic feel and the short overhangs front and rear emphasize the sports car sense of purpose.
CHASSIS AND DRIVING DYNAMICS
Morgan chassis experts have worked on the driving experience of the new Morgan 3 Wheeler with the same passion given to the development of any new Morgan. The result is a driver’s car with properties that do the sporting appearance full justice. The weight of the engine is counterbalanced by the mass of the passengers and the car has a planted feel with a very low centre of gravity to ensure it remains glued to the road. During the development process, the chassis team worked on the new 3 Wheeler in parallel with the forthcoming Morgan EvaGT. The result is a solution that features changes and refinements to virtually every single detail that affects a car’s cornering capabilities.
ENGINES
During its first year of production, the new Morgan 3 Wheeler will be available with a V twin from specialist engine builder S & S. The car is approved by US and European road transport authorities for safety and emissions. With an economical 115 horsepower the motor provides maximum power at minimum revs. Big torque spells effortless hillclimbing ability. The current focus of the Morgan Motor Company to cut CO2 emissions and low fuel consumption is very much part of the rationale behind the launch of this car. The time is right for Morgan to take a new look at the combination of acceleration, on road performance and economy. The time is right for Morgan to relaunch the 3 Wheeler.
Price £25,000 before tax
Bespoke extras
Bespoke leather and paint are available at extra cost as on the classic Morgan. A Polished engine, stainless steel tailpipes, cowl, polished cowl,headlamps and roll hoops are also extra cost options for a more classic look.
Exciting graphic packs to compliment the Sport “race on Sunday” philosophy
High quality decals are available to give the owner the opportunity to boost the sporty attitude of the new Morgan 3 Wheeler. These include special designs including US military and British Air Force inspired logos, oval racing numbers and stripes, a fearsome shark nose, chequered winner’s bonnet, official national flags and the Morgan wings.
We will post more information on the 2011 Morgan 3 Wheeler as soon as we receive it; however, in the interim you can find more information on the Morgan Three Wheeler web site and photos and videos on Talk Morgan.
Exclusive Interview with Matt Humphries of Morgan Motor Company
Jan 12th
Morgan Car News and Talk Morgan are proud to have helped facilitate a series of interviews with some of the key members of Morgan Motor Company.
Maximise Potential, a site which conducts inspirational interviews, have just released the first of these interviews – 1 of a 4 part series. Part one is with Matt Humphries, Head of Design for Morgan, and the conversation ranges from Matt’s step from Coventry University to working with MMC, the prototype Morgan Aeromax up to the most recent developments at Morgan Motor Company.
The interview is available on both the Maximise Potential site or via iTunes podcast section, using the search term Maximise Potential. People who listen to the interview via iTunes will have the opportunity to subscribe to the podcast and will automatically be made aware when the next three episodes are published. The next three segments are with Steve Morris (Operations Director), Tim Whitworth (Financial Director) and the Charles Morgan (Managing Director),
The Morgan Car News will also list these exciting, exclusive, future interviews as soon as they are published.
Charles Morgan Interview & MMC Tour
Jun 7th
Following on from the superb video review of the iconic Morgan Aeromax by Drivers Republic (with the assistance of Talk Morgan), we bring you the equally brilliant interview of Charles Morgan and tour of the Morgan Motor Company. This video is a must watch for any enthusiasts of Morgan sports cars.
Charles Morgan Awarded the President’s Trophy by The Guild of Motoring Writers
Apr 28th
Hot off the press, The Guild of Motoring Writers have awarded Charles Morgan their highest accolade; Guy Loveridge, Press Officer for The Guild, had this to say: -
“The Guild of Motoring Writers recognises a unique British achievement
Charles Morgan of the Morgan Motor Company has been awarded the President’s Trophy, The Guild of Motoring Writers’ highest accolade, in recognition of the specialist car company’s centenary.
The presentation was made at the Guild’s Annual General Meeting by its president, Nick Mason. Mr Morgan expressed his “delight and extreme gratitude” in accepting the award, and went on to thank the Guild for its members’ help and support during the 66-year association between the two organisations.
Introducing the award, Nick Mason said: Introducing the award, Nick Mason said: “I’m delighted to present Charles with this Trophy in acknowledgement of The Morgan Motor Company’s commitment to British automotive engineering”. In accepting, Charles Morgan replied: “It is an honour to accept this on behalf of all those who have and who continue to make Morgan a success.”. In accepting, Charles Morgan replied: “It is an honour to accept this on behalf of all those who have and who continue to make Morgan a success.”
He added that Morgan has plans for an electric car and a small family vehicle, plus a ‘weekend’ car, hinting it might be a three-wheeler.
The presentation was a highlight of the Guild’s AGM, which was generously hosted by Rolls-Royce at its Goodwood headquarters. After the meeting, members were given a VIP tour of the production facility, and had the opportunity to drive various Rolls-Royce models.”
A warm congratulations to Mr. Morgan from all at Talk Morgan and the Morgan Car News on being awarded this prestigious trophy.
New Morgan 2+2 Car for 2012
Mar 3rd
Charles Morgan has announced that a new Morgan model, a 2+2, will be shown for the first time at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August of 2010.
The company are aiming to put the new model into production for 2012-2013, pricing is yet to be confirmed; however, Morgan Motor Company would like to position the Morgan 2+2 at £40,000.
More news on this exciting addition to the Malvern range as and when it comes in.
New Morgan Model – Aero SuperSports Car
Apr 24th
Morgan Aero SuperSports
Throughout 2009 the Morgan Motor Company is celebrating one hundred years of continuous manufacture of motorcars. The company has remained in one family’s ownership since the founder HFS Morgan made his first car in 1909.
As part of the Centenary celebrations Morgan announces a truly special model.
Designed and engineered in house, the Morgan Aero SuperSports is a lightweight aluminium sports car with a luxurious specification. The interior features a comfortable combination of polished hardwoods, hand stitched leather and electronic technology to create a driving environment that is efficient, ergonomic and sumptuous. In spite of all this opulence the overall weight of the car is still minimal so the car is responsive to driver inputs and economical to run. More >
New Morgan Sports Car
Apr 16th
In a communication with Morgan car forum, Talk Morgan, on April 16th 2009, Mr. Charles Morgan revealed some new tantalising details about the new limited edition Morgan. Based on the Aeromax, the Aeromax 2 (or Aeromax Super Sport as some are speculating it will be called) will be latest model from the artisans at the Morgan factory in Malvern Link. Mr. Morgan had the following to say: -
“…the car will be at Villa d’Este next week (24th – 26th of April 2009) so all our fans have not got too long to wait!
The new car is without doubt the most beautiful Morgan ever built.
I also like the new aerodynamics of the GT3 car very much but the production car is so much more elegant. Is that a bit of a giveaway?”
More to follow as this story develops!